Offsides

"It was another complete game from the guys," SIUE Head Coach Mario Sanchez said. "It was a very disciplined game. It was nice to get a couple of goals and the shutout."

Mohamed Awad opened the scoring with an opportunistic strike in the 17th minute. Greg Solawa let go a left-footed shot that was knocked down by Butler goalkeeper Eric Dick. Awad pounced on the rebound to net eventual game-winner.

"It's always nice to play with a lead," Sanchez said. "For any team it gives you a little more confidence to take a few more risks."

Jambga scored the insurance goal in the 61st minute. Following some good combination play between TC Hull, Austin Polster and Carl Hinkson, the ball came through the box to Jambga who buried a right foot shot to the far post.

"I thought the guys handled it really well," Sanchez added. "They finished the game without giving too many chances to a good Butler team. It's nice to see everyone contributing."

For the game, the Cougars outshot the Bulldogs 10-7. SIUE limited Butler to just two shots on goal. SIUE goalkeeper Kyle Dal Santo turned away both to earn his 25th career shutout.

SIUE returns to Mid-American Conference play Friday with a 6 p.m. CT game at Akron.

"A game like this is why we joined the MAC," Sanchez said. "As players and as coaches we want to test ourselves. The reason we play the Syracuses, the Michigan States, the Butlers is to prepare for games like Friday night. And we're not going there just to compete. We are going there to get a result."